Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-07-07

fasiened; by Whatever means the burglars
had entered, they had not left trace oi
their attempt behind. i opened the front
door and looked out. Walter Brand sal
upon the stone step. He looked up and
showed mo his face, wild and haggard, and
his eyes bloodshot.
"Let me come in," he said. 81 want tc
speak to YOU"
He followed me into the private office
and sat down. / stood before him, waiting
for him TO speak.
Il haven't treated you we'll. Lambert" +" he
said.
"rm glad that you know it,
small matter. You have injured an
other more deeply"
He looked anxiously in my face; he
must have seen thero detection, discovery,
condemnation
"How did you find it out2" he asked in O
hoarse whisper.
at was very simple. On one of the fin
gers OF the hand from which struck the
dark lantern saw the large seal-ring, with
the blue onyx stone, that you wear"
at is ali over with me, then, he said. 81
have suffered tie torments of the doomed
since that houri I-hoped you did not know
l shook off that ruffian, and walked the
streets, with my conscience shifting me at
every step, promising God that if this last
horrible sin did not find me out, would
repent and reform. But it is not TO be SO.
Go for an officer; have not strength to es-
care, if wished to. Send me to the pene-
tentiary; deserve it,"
"If you truly mean what you have just
said, Walter, shall not go for police
man."
He looked up again.
"You don't mean that, Lambert. You
can't forgive what 1 have done?"
Il can and will; but that is the least part
OF 1t. You must go to your uncle and tell
him all. will go with you"
mo, no! not that; not now. can't give
him such blow; / can't look him in the
face and confess that 1 yielded to the
temptation of such dread ul wickedness
and inRratitude. o, if he knew if he
knew! For Gods sake, Lambert, don't
tell him"
"Go homo, then, and begin new life."
lie shook bis head sadly.
dare not. My father ia n stern man
meef HfS from 9 disneGrlce conege::'
"There is another chance for you. Cut
loose from your evil companions; go where
you are not known; keep to your good
resolutions, work hard, and all will be
WE'LL"
His eyes we're downcast; he seemed
bumiliated to the dust as he told me the
obstacle TO this course. A very brief strug-
glo decided me. l went up to my chamber,
and returning, placed fifty dollars in his
hand. 1t was half of my little savings.
"You are welcome TO it, Walter-and
may God help you to be man! Your
secret is safe with me; your uncle will
never know it till you choose to tell him. "
The tears rolled down his face; he threw
his arms around my neck aud sobt ed upon
my shoulder Then he FASTENED from the
Office and the city; and for ten years did
not see him again.
My mind was not wholly at rest in regard
10 tho concealment from his uncle OF the
events of that morning, which l had prom
i'ed Waller. In fact, it was serious
burden 10 me for weeks. The path
of duty did not seem plain, and
1 passed more than one sleepless
night over it. In the end, knowing Mr..
Symington as / did, persuaded myself
that he, in my placa, would do as l was
doing. For nine years his example had
been before me, and it abouuded in for
giveness of the erring in the lifting up and
was my pattern as well as my patron, and
in observing his life had really wished to
Learn the luxury Of doing good.
1t was not long after the disappearance
of Walter that letters began to reach us
from him. In far Western city he
had commenced his new life, and was
manfully struggling with hardship and toll.
Soon, he was writing cheerfully of new
friends and brighter prospects; still later,
of substantial success, and in time our
hearts were gladdened by the news of his
wealth and civic honors. Ten years bring
chanl es to everybody; and when Walter,
his wife and boy made us their long
promised visit, they found that had be-
come Mr.. Symingtons son-in-law, and
was In principal charge of the business. II
was not until the day before this visit ended
that tho memorable scene occurred which
will fitly close this narrative. / was sitting
with the ladies after dinner, with title
Lambert Brand upon my knee, when Mr..
Symington opened the library door and
called Inc in, closing it after me. Walter
sat by the window; and when he turned his
thoughtful, expressive face to me, knew
at once what had happened.
Walter has been telling me, said my
father n-law, "a very strange story ol
something that occurred at the Office ter
years ago. You see that it has astonished
me; l certainly never suspected the truth
My dear Lambert, it makes me prouder OF
you than ever Not often do bravery anC
mercy, stout heart and a forgiviDg one
go together Ms they did that morning. Yor
we're not only faithful TO your trust undel
The most hyiay circumstances, but after i
had been we'll kept, you showed Chart.
IN a moderation toward your enemy tina
partook of the true spirit OF Christ"
Once more Walters arm was round m!
neck; and his words shall end tho story
ale did more than thar, sir, lie saycC
,,no y